East Hills Dental Associates Blog

If you’re facing the prospect of getting dentures but you’re worried about the appliances slipping and sliding out of place, you may want to consider implant-supported dentures as an alternative. Implant dentures have a physical connection to the jaw, so they are able to stay in place more effectively than conventional appliances that use a denture adhesive.

Dental implants are unique devices for tooth replacement because they replace the roots of the missing biological teeth in addition to supporting the prosthetic crown replacement or denture. After the dentist inserts the dental implants into the patient’s jaw, the surrounding bone osseointegrates the implants. That is, the bone forms a strong bond with the titanium surface of the dental implant, which then becomes a fixture in the jaw, much like a natural tooth’s root.

Although the roots of your natural teeth are often overlooked, they perform a number of important functions that support your smile’s stability. For example, roots help to anchor the jawbone. In their absence – as with conventional dentures that don’t include a rootlike structure – the jawbone atrophies. As this process progresses, a conventional denture will ultimately lose its fit and will need to be either refitted or replaced.

Additionally, conventional dentures aren’t completely reliable in terms of staying put when you want them to, like in the middle of an important speech or a romantic moment. With implant dentures, the connection between the jaw and the appliance, via the implant, helps to secure the denture more predictably.

Implant dentures are also more steady and effective at mealtime. The bond between the bone and dental implants facilitates an implant denture’s ability to chew a wide range of foods, some of which might be off-limits for conventional denture wearers.

Do you want reassurance that your dentures will stay in place? Explore implant dentures as a possible treatment option following tooth loss. Come to our office for a consultation where you can learn more about this treatment and decide if it’s the right choice for you.

There are many compelling reasons to take steps to protect your oral health. Of course, healthy teeth make up a beautiful smile. Oral health is also linked to general health, so the benefits of tending to your smile will extend throughout your body as well. Here are four important steps that you can take to keep your teeth healthy.

1) Keep up an effective oral hygiene routine: A healthy smile begins at home. Brush twice each day, for two minutes each time, and use proper technique. Floss along the gumline daily. You may also want to add an anti-bacterial mouthwash for additional protection. These actions will help to limit plaque and tartar and the harmful bacteria they contain.

2) Eat a nutritious diet with limited sugar: Those nasty oral bacteria feed off of sugar that lingers in your mouth after you eat, so you can restrict their food supply if you limit your intake of sweet treats. Furthermore, eating nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables will give your body the minerals and vitamins you need for a healthy smile.

3) See your dentist every six months: Routine preventive care keeps your teeth clean and healthy. Periodic professional cleanings by a hygienist help to eliminate any additional plaque and calculus that have accumulated even though you’ve been brushing and flossing each day. And when your dentist sees you at regular intervals, it’s easier to monitor your mouth for symptoms of oral diseases, such as cavities or periodontal disease, and intervene in earlier stages when such problems are more treatable.

4) Protect yourself against facial trauma and injuries: When your teeth are injured, it can be devastating to your smile. You may need to undergo extensive treatments or even have the damaged teeth extracted. Fortunately, patients can take steps to prevent facial trauma and injuries. Even doing something as simple as wearing your seat belt every time you get in a car is important. Drive safely and don’t drive while impaired. Keep your floors clear of clutter and any other falling hazards. Wear a custom mouthguard designed by a dentist when playing contact sports.

Following these four steps will go a long way to keep your teeth healthy. If you would like other suggestions on strategies for boosting your oral health, contact our office today.

A cosmetic dentist can use different treatments and techniques to help patients reach their smile goals in different circumstances. For example, a dentist may recommend dental bonding to correct certain small defects, like chips and cracks. Porcelain veneers may be used to address these issues, as well as others like deep staining, that are more significant in nature.

Dental bonding is the addition of a small amount of tooth-colored composite that is applied to a tooth and cured. It requires no alteration to the tooth. A cosmetic dentist can often complete dental bonding without the use of a local anesthetic, as well.

Porcelain veneers are tooth-shaped shells that are bonded on top of the biological tooth. Veneers cover more surface area so they can conceal more extensive flaws, such as deep stains or large cracks. Porcelain veneers can also bring an undersized tooth into the correct proportions or even make a slightly crooked stretch of teeth look properly aligned. However, depending on the thickness of the veneer, some enamel may need to be removed in order to make room for the veneers. Otherwise, the treated teeth may seem to “stick out” from the smile.

There are some important differences between dental bonding and porcelain veneers that may influence your dentist’s treatment decision. For example, dental bonding is generally used to make minor adjustments to the tooth, such as filling in the space left behind by a small chip. When more extensive corrections are necessary, porcelain veneers may be more effective.

Dental bonding can usually be completed in a single appointment, while porcelain veneers typically require at least two sessions: one for the dentist to collect the information needed to design them and to prep the teeth, and one to place the finished veneers. Nonetheless, if porcelain veneers are more appropriate for your case, they’ll be well worth the extra time you invest in them.

Can dental bonding or porcelain veneers help you enhance your smile? Schedule a consultation at the office of Dr. Richard Sousa to learn more about the benefits of these treatment options.

If you have a cracked tooth that is too damaged to save with a restoration or a root canal, you may want to consider a tooth implant to replace that tooth after it is extracted. Dental implants are the most structurally complete tooth replacement devices available, and they offer a number of benefits to patients.

Dental implants are small titanium cylinders that a dentist places in a patient’s jaw. That titanium is biocompatible, which means that the surrounding bone can form a bond with the implant. That process, known as osseointegration, leaves a tooth implant as a permanent fixture in the patient’s jaw and gives the prosthetic tooth or appliance a root-like structure.

We take the roots of our teeth for granted, but they perform a variety of important functions. For example, they anchor the jawbone material. When a tooth is lost and its root is not replaced, the jawbone slowly withers over time. The loss of bone can put surrounding teeth at risk, as well, and a conventional prosthetic won’t fit as well when the jaw’s shape changes.

Dental implants also help to preserve a significant amount of chewing function performed by biological teeth because the link between the bone and the implant makes the implant strong enough to withstand most forces necessary to chew harder foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

A tooth implant also stands alone and does not require support from surrounding teeth. Therefore, the adjoining teeth do not need to be altered to support a crown. Additionally, patients who choose dental implants retain access to the gumline, so they can continue to use their normal brushing and flossing techniques.

Although dental implant placement does require a surgical procedure, it can be completed in a matter of hours. Patients experience minimal disruption to their lives and can resume most of their normal routine within days of dental implant placement.

Patients who need to have a cracked tooth extracted should consider dental implants as a treatment solution. Schedule a consultation at our office to learn more about this option.

Are you unknowingly harming your teeth? Perhaps you’ve developed a few bad habits that need correcting, like forgetting to floss or visit the dentist. It is easy to fall into the trap of neglecting our oral health with so much on our minds. Unfortunately, neglecting your oral health can end up being very costly. Not to mention, your oral health is connected to your total wellbeing. Following are some of the most common bad habits we caution patients from developing.

Bruxism

Bruxism is the act of clenching and/or grinding teeth habitually. Many times, people respond to pain and stress by clenching their teeth. Sometimes, however, people’s bruxism becomes a habit. Over time, bruxism will permanently damage teeth by wearing them down. In severe cases of bruxism, patients might require extensive restorations like dental crowns and surgeries such as crown lengthening. Treating the effects of bruxism can be incredibly costly.

Inadequate Oral Hygiene

The way we care for our teeth says a lot about our commitment to our oral health. Improper or inadequate oral hygiene will cause plaque and tartar to build up on teeth and along the gums. Plaque is removable with thorough brushing and flossing but tartar is not. Tartar, the hardened form of plaque, must be removed with dental instruments called scalers. Practicing proper oral hygiene prevents periodontal disease and tooth decay. The ADA recommends that patients brush their teeth at least twice a day for about two minutes each time. Teeth should be flossed daily—preferably before bedtime.

Using Teeth as a Tool

If you use your teeth to open packaging or bottles, you could develop dental injuries like chips and cracks. Deep chips in teeth can expose the root canal, a hollowed area inside the tooth with nerve endings and cellular material to harmful bacteria. Infected teeth require treatment such as endodontic therapy and restorations.

Foregoing Routine Dental Care

Visiting the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings is something that everyone should make a priority. Having regular checkups helps our team detect potential issues as early as possible while cleanings keep teeth and gums free of harmful tartar accumulation.

We are here to help you establish optimal oral health. Call us at East Hills Dental Associates today to schedule a checkup.

Hardly anyone is born with a perfect smile. A beautiful smile is normally the result of orthodontic treatment, healthy habits, good genetics, and natural looking dental work. When a person’s smile is noticeably flawed by chips, stains, and spacing issues, it can affect a person’s self-esteem and outlook on life. Porcelain veneers are one way to achieve a natural yet beautiful smile makeover. When bonding porcelain veneers, our cosmetic dentist takes a very individualized approach to treatment because attention to detail and precision are very important.

A Whiter Smile

Porcelain makes a beautiful cosmetic enhancement to teeth because it is very lifelike. When veneers are bonded over teeth, they conceal intrinsic and extrinsic tooth stains. If a person’s smile is visibly flawed by discoloration, a series of veneers can produce the appearance of a vibrant, white smile.

A Straighter Smile

Veneers can be used to correct spacing issues between teeth. If teeth are rotated, gapped, or crowded, multiple veneers can be used to create a smile that looks properly spaced and straight.

A More Proportionate Smile

Sometimes patients suffer with disproportionate smiles due to worn dentition, chips, and jagged teeth. If this is the case, porcelain veneers can be advantageous because they will conceal minor orthodontic issues.

A Long Lasting Cosmetic Solution

Since veneers are custom made to fit a person’s teeth and are wafer-thin, they are actually quite durable. They are bonded over teeth with a cement-like compound to ensure that a patient’s cosmetic enhancements stay in place for years to come.

Resistant to Stains

Porcelain is resistant to staining. Moreover, veneers are glazed prior to the bonding process, which adds additional protection from the development of future stains.

There are various treatment options available to improve the appearance of teeth. If you are interested in porcelain veneers, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our cosmetic dentist so that you can determine if this treatment option meets your needs.

Are you reviewing your teeth replacement options? Do dental implants interest you? If so, you might be wondering what your next steps should be. Dental implants have quickly become the go-to teeth replacement method because these prosthetics are durable, low maintenance, and the closest thing to biological teeth available. When it comes to dental implants, it is incredibly important to have a consultation with a dentist. This is because placing dental implants is process that involves precision and detailed attention to a patient’s unique anatomy. Moreover, certain health conditions can affect the stability of an implant.

The Importance of a Consultation

The only way to be certain that dental implants are right for you is to schedule a consultation. At your appointment, your oral healthcare provider will perform an examination, take X-rays, and ask questions about your health and dental history. Your appointment is also a great time to ask questions about your treatment options.

Examining a candidate for implants is very important because for dental implants to stabilize, there must be sufficient bone mass in the jaw. Dental implants are embedded into the jawbone so that they can function like the roots of teeth. If bone is sparse, it can lead to implant failure. Issues with bone density are relatively common – especially if a patient has a history of periodontal disease or tooth loss. Certain areas of the mouth are more complicated than others when it comes to implantation, too. This is because of the sinus cavity above the upper maxilla (jaw). The upper jaw tends to be thinner in areas near the sinus cavity.

In addition to the state of a patient’s oral anatomy, certain lifestyle factors and medical conditions can effect whether implants are the right tooth replacement method for a person. Those who smoke or have health conditions that affect the ability to heal might not be candidates for this treatment option.

The first step in making your decision is a visit to our practice. We address treatment with the latest techniques and technological innovations so that our guests receive high quality care. Call our team at East Hills Dental Associates today to reserve your consultation.

Do you skip flossing from time to time? Some people earnestly forget to floss while others avoid this necessary hygienic practice because they believe brushing their teeth is enough. Even if you brush your teeth thoroughly, brushing is not enough to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. Flossing is one of the easiest things you can do to prevent the development of periodontal disease and other oral health issues. If you skip flossing on a regular basis, it is a good idea to visit our dentist for a checkup and cleaning. Following are compelling reasons you should floss every day and what can happen if you skip this important oral healthcare step.

Interdental Cleaning

While a toothbrush is effective at cleaning the visible surfaces of teeth, there are many areas of the mouth that a toothbrush cannot clean effectively. For instance, a tooth brush cannot clean deep between teeth. This is one reason flossing is necessary. Floss is thin enough to fit between teeth so that people can remove debris and disrupt plaque formation. By not flossing, debris and plaque that collect between teeth can lead to the development of dental caries along with stubborn tartar buildup.

Gum Health

Flossing is an essential part of keeping gums healthy. Not only will flossing clean deep between teeth, it will remove debris and plaque that have formed along the gum line. By skipping daily flossing, we greatly increase our risk for developing periodontal (gum) disease.

Tartar Prevention

Tartar is a pesky, stubborn substance that develops when plaque is exposed to calculus. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms as a result of colonized oral bacteria. When plaque is not removed in a timely manner, it will harden once exposed to calculus. Tartar, its hardened form, cannot be removed with brushing or flossing. This substance actually needs to be removed by professional instruments. Tartar accumulation is a leading cause of gum disease because it inflames the gingiva and leads to gum recession.

If it has been a while since your last cleaning or checkup, call us today to schedule an appointment with our dentist.

Are you wondering if non-visible teeth should be replaced? Perhaps you have recently lost a tooth that’s not overly visible because it isn’t at the front of your mouth. Any time a tooth is lost, patients should visit their dentist to find out what type of tooth replacement method, such as dental implants, is best for your needs. There are many reasons why it’s important to replace missing teeth – even those that are not very visible to others. Tooth loss is more than a cosmetic issue and just having one missing tooth can throw the entire oral health system off balance. Following are good reasons to consider replacing a missing tooth with a tooth implant.

Dental Implants Support Other Teeth

When a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth no longer have support from adjacent teeth above the gum line. Without support, existing biological teeth can collapse into empty tooth sockets. A tooth implant and its restoration will help keep the rest of a person’s teeth upright.

Maintain Proper Spacing Between Teeth

Even if a person is only missing one tooth, the empty space where a tooth was will threaten healthy placement between teeth. This is because teeth can shift into the space where a tooth should be. Over time, this can threaten healthy spacing between teeth by contributing to gaps and twisted/crooked teeth.

Dental Implants Promote Healthy Oral Function

Dental implants promote healthy oral function because they are strong enough to support the weight and pressure associated with tearing and chewing food. When a tooth is missing, the rest of a person’s teeth have to work overtime to chew food. By replacing a missing tooth with a tooth implant, a patient can protect their existing teeth and enjoy their favorite meals without difficulty. Replacing a lost tooth is beneficial for protecting the health of existing natural teeth.

If you have questions about your tooth replacement options, call our practice to schedule a consultation. We treat tooth loss with the latest technology and compassion. Contact our office at East Hills Dental Associates today!

Did you know that paying a visit to our cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover could change your life? It’s true. Cosmetic dentistry can enhance or change the aesthetic of your smile so that your teeth appear beautiful and healthy. Moreover, cosmetic treatments can address issues with disproportionate and asymmetrical smiles by creating visual balance. Some of our most popular cosmetic services include the placement of dental implants and porcelain veneers along with gum line reshaping and teeth whitening treatments. Some patients may only need one treatment to substantially improve their smiles while others might need a combination of cosmetic services to achieve their desired results.

Dental Implants

Dental implants make for excellent replacement teeth. This is because dental implants are low maintenance, have a long life span, and resemble biological teeth very closely. A dental implant replaces the root structure of teeth so that a lifelike restoration like a dental crown can be supported. Once implants are placed and stabilized, patients can enjoy a complete smile and renewed oral function.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are cosmetic enhancements. They are bonded over the outer surface of teeth to produce a uniform look. Made from porcelain, a veneer can conceal flaws like cracks, chips, and discoloration. If a series of veneers are placed over multiple teeth, they will make teeth appear straight, smooth, and symmetrical.

Teeth Whitening

While the grocery store is full of whitening products, none of them can compare to a professional treatment. Our cosmetic dentist uses the Zoom! Whitening system, which involves placing a prescription whitening solution over teeth and deepening the teeth lightening process from the light of a laser. After one treatment, a patient can expect a smile that is about eight to ten shades brighter.

Gum Line Reshaping

Sometimes, the gums can develop too much – meaning, they will cover too much of a tooth’s crown. Excess gum tissue normally occurs during adolescence. Fortunately, a “gummy” smile can be remedied with reshaping treatments. Reshaping the gum line will expose more of a tooth’s crown and provide a more proportionate appearance.